Brain Structure and Function

Genetic, behavioral, and physiological meanings of MRI signal

Our long-term goal is to explain individual genetic, behavioral, and physiological differences according to their specific anatomical and functional brain variations. Mapping structural changes in human WM and comprehending their impact on brain function are critical for the understanding of normal development, aging and neurological disease.

MRI is the most valuable technique for non-invasive in-vivo imaging of human WM. MRI studies have repeatedly identified structural variations in WM as being important to the brain’s cognitive performance. However, the question of how in-vivo MRI measurements relate to underlying WM signal-conduction properties remains largely unanswered. In our research, we focus on mapping and modeling brain variation in individuals, as it relates to age, functional activity and cognitive skills.